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American Cancer Society seeks volunteer drivers

Published: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 5:52 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, April 22, 2013 at 5:53 p.m.

More than 27,000 Alabama residents are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2013. For many of them, getting to treatment may be the toughest part of their fight.

The American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program especially needs volunteer drivers for cancer patients who need transportation to treatment. Training for prospective drivers will be held at 1:30 p.m. April 30 at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, on the first floor of the 500 Building.

Cancer patients can’t always rely on family and friends to take them. Some do not have a vehicle or may be too ill to drive. Radiation therapy might require 20 to 30 trips to a clinic within six weeks, and chemotherapy may demand weekly visits for up to a year.

Road to Recovery is one component of the American Cancer Society’s efforts to remove this barrier and help people overcome cancer.

Volunteers with a car and insurance, safe driving skills and who can drive as little as one weekday morning or afternoon a month can give cancer patients peace of mind and the chance to get to their treatments.

“For many cancer patients in this area, getting to treatment can be a great burden,” said Allison Shirley, local staff partner of the American Cancer Society. “The Road to Recovery program gives volunteers the opportunity to offer something as simple as a ride to patients.”

For more information, contact Shirley at 205-930-8884 or alison.shirley@cancer.org.

If you need transportation assistance or would like to volunteer as a driver, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.

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